Posted on: Lee Co. Ia Biographies Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/LeeBios/10081 Surname: BELL, COFFMAN, BUTLER, HERDMAN ------------------------- [Note: I am not related to any of the following people. I found the article in my great-grandmother's scrapbook.] The Plain Dealer, Fort Madison, Lee Co., IA, abt. Oct. 8, 1887: "A Double Wedding. Editor Plain Dealer: Donnelson, October 8. - This little village has been on the qui vive for several weeks in view of a public announcement in church by the pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian church of some feature of special interest in connection with the services to be held on Thursday evening, Oct. 6. Of course the "wise" figured it down [sic] to mean a "wedding in church," a temperance service and all of these. But the arrival in the community a few days previous to Oct. 6, of Mr. J. W. COFFMAN of Saint Lukes, Virginia to see his best girl gave the matter additional prestige, and emphasized the conclusions of many as to the coming event which had cast its shadow before. At a very early hour the church was filled to overflowing. The 7:00 p.m. tram brought the Rev. Will C. HERDMAN to the scene. A short discourse upon the evils of intemperance was delivered at the conclusion of which, the bridal party entered upon their "wedding march" up the aisle, presenting themselves before the alter [sic], thereupon Mr. J. W. COFFMAN and Miss Jennie M. BELL and Mr. Isaac A. BELL and Miss Blanche BUTLER were united in holy matrimony. It was a pleasant occasion, one long to be remembered by all present. The parties to the contract are among the best young people and start out on the voyage of life with omens of a bright future. Numerous handsome presents were displayed at the home of Mr. W. BELL, to which a large number of friends and relatives repaired from the church. All unite in wishing them a success through life."